Can we eat well on flights or is good food pie in the sky?

BRITISH Airways has angered passengers by cutting its meal service on American flights under eight hours - replacing the second snack of a sandwich with a small biscuit, muffin or chocolate bar instead.

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British Airways has cut its meal service on American flights under eight hoursCredit: Getty Images

But how does the new offering compare to other airlines flying routes under eight hours?

Below, we ask the main UK airlines flying to Orlando and New York - destinations hit by BA's new rule - what travellers can expect to keep their tummies from rumbling.

BRITISH AIRWAYS

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An economy British Airways mealCredit: Internet

AFTER the changes to the second meal service on flights under eight hours, here's what you'll now get on trips to New York and Orlando.

Premium: World Traveller Plus passengers to New York get a starter, choice of two main courses from the Club Menu plus roll, cheese, crackers and dessert. Second service is a choice of snack, for example a muffin.

Orlando passengers get an afternoon tea box for their second service on the way out and breakfast box on the way back as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including tea and coffee.

Economy (pictured): World Traveller passengers get a starter, choice of two main courses and dessert plus roll, cheese and crackers. Second service is a choice of snack. Orlando passengers get an afternoon tea box for their second service on the way out and breakfast box on the way back, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus tea and coffee.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

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Virgin's afternoon tea

VIRGIN offers the same menus on both its Orlando and JFK New York flights. As well as the meals below, all included in the flight price, passengers get a drink before dinner, Fab ice cream, a mid-flight snack of a pasty on Orlando flights and Love-Heart sweets for landing.

Premium passengers also get a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice before take-off, in addition to access to a selection of crisps, sweets and fresh fruit throughout the flight.

Premium economy: Main meal with starter, choice of three main courses, dessert, cheese and crackers.

Economy: Main meal with starter, choice of three main courses, Gu pudding, roll, cheese and biscuits with red or white wine and water.

Afternoon tea with wrap, chocolate, crisps and mints.

THOMSON

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A Premium meal on Thomson

THOMSON uses one of its fleet of Dreamliner planes on the Orlando route - known for their spaciousness and jetlag-busting technology. Meals are offered in economy and premium cabins, as well as a "Thomson Treat".

Premium: Outbound there is a choice of three main meals plus roll, butter, cheese and crackers, dessert and a small chocolate. A second service of afternoon tea is two filled rolls, scone with jam and clottedcream and cake. Inbound, there is the same choice for the first meal then a hot breakfast before landing.

Alcoholic drinks are also included.

Economy: Outbound has a choice of three smaller main meals as well as roll, butter, cheese, crackers and dessert followed by afternoon tea with one filled roll, scone, jam and cream.

Inbound is similar, followed by a hot breakfast muffin with orange juice. Alcoholic drinks are included too.

THOMAS COOK

THOMAS COOK offers different food choices on its JFK New York and Orlando flights and has worked with celebrity chef James Martin. All alcoholic drinks except champagne are complimentary in premium only.

Premium: Outbound to New York and Orlando you get a twocourse premium James Martin meal cheese and crackers, then afternoon filled rolls, scone and carrot cake. sandwich and brownie then a hot breakfast with pastries, granola bar and drinks. On an inbound flight from Orlando it is a two-course meal and continental breakfast.

Economy: Outbound to New York and Orlando you get a two-course James Martin meal, plus a second James Martin service. Inbound from New York you get a sandwich and brownie then a breakfast omelette with granola bar, yoghurt and orange juice. From Orlando, you get a two-course meal then cereal bar with yoghurt and juice.

NORWEGIAN

LOW-COST airline Norwegian offers fares from £135 per person one way to Orlando and New York so it's no surprise that a meal costs extra.

Economy passengers can order drinks and food from the touch screen of the in-flight entertainment system, pictured. Premium passengers fly from £399 and get a full meal service, two checked bags, seat reservation, fasttrack security and lounge access at some airports.

Premium: Starter, main course with choice of two options, roll, dessert and tea or coffee followed by Baileys or cognac. A second light meal is served before landing with roll and butter. Currently it is rosemary chicken with herbed crème fraîche and salad plus a sweet or savoury treat. Unlimited drinks are served, too.

Economy: Starter, main course with two choices and dessert plus coffee or tea as well as a beer, wine or soft drink. A second service snack bag includes a sandwich, sweet or savoury treat and a juice.